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Fracking ‘toxic issue’ for Conservative Party

An article in the Guardian gives a very interesting picture of the effect grass-roots opposition groups like Frack Free Ryedale are having on the political landscape.

Research suggests that more than 120 Tory MPs face protest groups in their constituencies. Of the 40 key marginal seats identified in the party’s election strategy, 31 fall in areas where exploratory drilling is about to start or has been permitted. Only seven cabinet members will not be affected. Of the 160 protest groups, 70% are in Tory areas, and just 15% in Labour held areas. The remainder of the groups cover several seats.

“The number of anti-fracking community groups has exploded in the last year. There were roughly 40 groups this time last year, now there are over 160 with about 10 new groups forming each month”, said Sarah Mackie, a Frack Off campaigner.